Part 1 · · 16 samples

Do you have many friends?

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Contrast having many acquaintances in the past with having fewer now.
  • Explain that a smaller social circle does not necessarily feel like a negative change.
  • Describe lasting closeness as the quality that makes someone a true friend.

Suggested structure

  1. Begin with a direct answer about your past social circle.
  2. Explain how the number of acquaintances has changed over time.
  3. Give your view on whether that change is bad.
  4. End with the reason: the people who stayed close are your true friends.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a lot of acquaintances
many people you know but may not be close to

I used to have a lot of acquaintances from different parts of my life.

diminish over time
become smaller or less numerous gradually

The number of people I see regularly has diminished over time.

stay close to someone
continue to have a strong relationship with someone

A few friends have stayed close to me over the years.

true friends
people regarded as genuinely close and dependable friends

I value the true friends who have remained part of my life.

Sample answers

Band 4 sample

49 words · Source-reported band

I have more than 10 friends, and I'm not sure if that's a lot. I've had as many as 20 friends in the past. I like all of you, my friends, and I'm always here to help. I can take it from here, the men will rally on them.

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Band 4 sample

49 words · Source-reported band

I have more than 100 friends, and I'm not sure if I should say that's many. However, I've had more than 20 friends. Seeing them has helped me. I like all of my friends. They've helped me. I can see each one from the Zen and rally on Zen.

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Band 4 sample

37 words · Source-reported band

Yes, of course. I have many friends here. Their names are Abraham and Akbar. They are very funny. I can share my secrets with them. I value my friends; they are very supportive and close to me.

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